Torrential rains wreaked havoc across Abbottabad district on Friday, claiming the life of a schoolgirl and causing extensive property damage. The relentless downpour, now in its second consecutive day, triggered flash floods in several areas.
A tragedy unfolded in Galiyat, where Ayesha Zulfiqar, a 10th-grade student, was swept away while attempting to cross an overflowing seasonal stream near the village of Tajwal. She had been accompanied by her sister and a schoolteacher, both of whom sustained injuries.
Local residents later recovered Ayesha's body. The injured were taken to the Basic Health Unit (BHU) in Tajwal, which, to the dismay of residents, was found locked, denying them immediate medical care.
Abbottabad city was among the worst affected, with almost all major roads inundated, creating flood-like conditions across the area. Particularly impacted were PMA Kakul Road, Mir Pur Mandian Road, Supply Road, Karakoram Highway (KKH), Sethi Masjid Road, Iqbal Road, Banda Dalazak, Banda Khair Ali Khan Road, Trakana, and the Link Road near Ciena Laboratory.
Blocked drainage systems caused rainwater to spill into streets and seep into homes, damaging household goods, furniture, and other belongings.
An especially concerning situation developed at the Ayub Teaching Hospital and Ayub Medical College Complex, where floodwaters entered the premises, turning the main garden into a pool.
Public criticism mounted against the three principal civic agenciesWater and Sanitation Services Abbottabad (WSSA), Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA), and the Cantonment Boardfor failing to take preventive action despite timely warnings from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). No visible drain-clearing efforts were carried out ahead of the monsoon spell, compounding the disaster.
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